Quick Request

This is a discussion on Quick Request within the C++ Programming forums, part of the General Programming Boards category; Hello,
I've been self learning the basics of C++ with a book and C++BuilderX and Eclipse shipped with it however ...

Quick Request

Hello,

I've been self learning the basics of C++ with a book and C++BuilderX and Eclipse shipped with it however this book only covers the basics. Basically I want to work on a project that involves writing a GUI app that maps a local area network, however the internet isnt proving very useful on where to begin. Would anyone know where i should start and where the best resources would be to help achieve this goal?

I want to work on a project that involves writing a GUI app that maps a local area network

Learn C++ first, then you can branch off into GUI and network programming. I can guarantee that you'll have a hell of a time if you aren't very comfortable with the basics of C++ when you start specializing.

Actually, you don't have to know that much standard C++ to learn GUI programming... But... There's a lot to learn in both subject areas. It's easy to get bogged-down learning the GUI shtuff, and distracted from the underlying standard C++ that makes your program do something useful.

I agree that it's difficult to learn this stuff from the Internet. But, take a look at this tutorial. That tutorial should help you decide if you're ready to dig-into Windows programming. Then when you feel you're ready, get a copy of Programming Windows, by Charles Petzold.

(I can't help you with the network stuff.)

EDIT-------------------------------
BTW - If you don't already know. All of this is "beyond" ANSI/ISO Standard C++. There are no graphics, color, mouse, sound, or networking, in Standard C++.

I second Prelude's recommendation. Make sure you know basic C++ well. You do not have to be an expert with templates or a complete master of all the intracies of OOP with C++ (multiple inheritance, virtual inheritance, etc) to learn to do GUI programming (in C++), but you should be really comfortable using the language (pointers, classes, inheritance, etc) before moving on, or you will likely end up frustrated or doing things "just because it works" (tm) without really knowing what is going on.

Learn C++ first, then you can branch off into GUI and network programming. I can guarantee that you'll have a hell of a time if you aren't very comfortable with the basics of C++ when you start specializing.

Ok I agree with you thanks very much for all your suggestions, i have had a brief glance at the tutorials and yes i will need a more solid foundation in C before i attempt it.